▲ Qatari mediation team (File Photo)
Qatar, which is mediating the resumption of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, has evaluated that there is progress in indirect talks between the two sides.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on November 3 (local time) that the Qatari mediation team that visited Tehran, Iran, the previous night had returned to Doha, and that dialogue between the two sides is continuing.
He explained that work is currently underway to narrow differences, and that there is clear progress in the dialogue between the two sides.
He also added that both the United States and Iran are committed to the mediation process, and that both sides are carefully studying and reviewing the proposals put forward by Qatar as the mediator.
He emphasized, "There is a unified consensus in the region and the Gulf that military escalation must be avoided," adding, "We remain hopeful that there are still opportunities for an agreement to create an environment for future additional negotiations."
Iran recently proposed the so-called "Two-day plan" to the United States through Qatar.
This compresses Iran's previous seven-step proposal from September into a two-day schedule.
According to this proposal, on the first day, the United States must lift the blockade on Iranian ports, approve sanctions waivers for the sale of Iranian crude oil, and cancel all new sanctions.
Once the U.S. measures are implemented, the main point is that on the second day, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to restore normal maritime traffic, followed by subsequent negotiations on other contentious issues.
While showing a willingness to negotiate regarding this plan, the United States and Iran are continuing a tense war of words.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi passed the ball to the United States, stating, "Tehran has presented all our conditions and proposals, and now all outcomes depend on Washington's political rationality."
The United States is also employing a two-track strategy of keeping the door to dialogue open while simultaneously applying military pressure.
U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of an agreement the previous day, saying, "Iran wants a deal, and one could be reached."
Amid the ongoing tug-of-war between the two sides through the mediator, reports emerged on November 2 that the United States had attacked Qeshm Island, a strategic stronghold in southern Iran located in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over whether it might impact the negotiations.
U.S. officials explained that the U.S. military's attack on Qeshm Island was defensive in nature to curb Iranian attacks on commercial vessels.
However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, did not make an official announcement regarding the attack and did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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